Cultural Issues

 Student’s Name

Institution

Table of Contents

Cultural Issues. 3

1.0.     Introduction. 3

2.0.     Working in groups (Group Dynamics) 4

3.0.     Interpersonal Relationships. 5

4.0.     Communication. 6

5.0.     Motivation. 7

6.0.     Understanding Beliefs and Practices. 9

6.1.     Muslim Holidays. 9

6.1.1.     Ramadhan. 9

6.1.2.     Eid (Day of Festivity) 10

6.1.3.     Pilgrimage to Mecca. 11

6.2.     Prayer Requests (Daily Prayer) 11

6.3.     Friday Congregational Prayers. 12

6.4.     Appearance. 13

6.5.     Other Considerations. 13

7.0.     Conclusion. 15

8.0.     References. 17

 

 

Cultural Issues
Introduction
Supervision is aimed at helping employees to achieve organizational goals. The rise of multiculturalism in the workplace has become reality with supervisors now expected to incorporate different cultures in their work. They are to learn the cultures of different ethnic and religious groups to ensure that they are managed in a way that maximizes their productivity. All employees require to be treated like individuals whose behaviors are dependent on the cultural groups they belong. Supervisors should allow individuals to express their thoughts freely, receive empathetic responses and given an opportunity to correct their inappropriate behaviors (Henderson & Long, 2016). When an understanding is finally achieved, employees are treated with respect and dignity. However, when that does not happen, the culturally different employees face a great risk of being demoted or laid off. In most cases, employees belonging to the minority group status often view their majority counterparts with great suspicion. Hence, supervisors and managers are challenged to demonstrate that they are fair to everyone. Fairness is only achieved by action rather than talking. Admittedly, issues touching on race and ethnicity often make supervisors and their subordinates overact (Henderson & Long, 2016). It is the duty of supervisors and managers to help such culturally different employees to adapt and be accepted. The support is realized by first understanding their personal values and cultural norms. Secondly, the supervisors should adapt their communication by using phrases and words that the minority groups understand (Henderson & Long, 2016).

Muslims are one of the minority groups in the United States despite Islam being the second most popular religion in the world. Similar to other religions, Muslims have their distinct religious and cultural beliefs that they strictly adhere to. Organizations have had to make adjustments to accommodate Muslims and their beliefs. For example, Muslims pray five times a day. As a result, organizations have not only set aside time for such prayers but also special rooms where prayers can be conducted. Managers and supervisors are also required to learn other norms and beliefs of Muslims to ensure that they do not feel offended in their interactions with their superiors. The research study explores widely what managers need to know about Islam with an aim of supervising individual Muslims. It seeks to provide information on the unique beliefs and norms of Muslims that should be learnt by any manager and supervisor. Issues of communication, group dynamics, and culture among others are addressed and how best they can be used to supervise Muslims.

Working in groups (Group Dynamics)
Group collaboration is not an accident. Senior executives should plan and support teams in their organizations for them to be successful (Henderson & Long, 2016). Work is a group activity that involves sharing ideas and supporting one another to accomplish a certain task. Muslims are encouraged to make decisions through mutual consultation of all group members. Individualism is not encouraged by the religion. The Qur’an has different versus that address the importance of being in groups. In order to forbid evil and enjoin what is good, a person needs to be in a group so that duties can be satisfactorily performed. It is common knowledge that Prophet Muhammad valued groups and consulted his closest companions and also his wiser wives during periods of uncertainty. Islam values both working and living together in groups. Working in groups according to Islam yields better and effective results. Additionally, Islam claims that living alone is next to impossible and it is always advisable to live in groups. Working together in groups is valued by Islam to the extent that basic foundational pillars of Islam such as Hajj, Salah, zakat and Sawn are performed in a community (Hughes, 2013). Working in groups has various benefits such as learning from others, accomplishing tasks faster, generating better ideas and helps in the use of strengths, skills and knowledge possessed by others. Salah is a form of worship that exhibits groups’ dynamics five times a day. It is integral in the development of collective strength and generates and consolidates social coh